Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court decision today affirmed the constitutional right of Congress to establish a personal mandate for insurance, a key element of the Affordable Care Act.

The Affordable Care Act was a significant undertaking. The Obama administration worked to bring together all the parties in our current system: consumers, insurers, providers, health care facilities, and employers. Congress held lengthy debates and difficult votes. The Affordable Care Act is an important first step toward true health care reform.